WAMPSVILLE-- Madison County Supervisors will vote next week on a third hearing officer to handle the case of suspended Probation Director Karen Birch.

On Monday, the board will consider hiring John Trela.

Since late last year, Birch has been on paid leave as a result of undisclosed charges lodged by the county. However, her attorney, John Lovette said that the allegations involve a probation officer who claims that Birch refused to remove her from supervising an individual she felt unsafe being around, even though at the time, the offender was incarcerated.

In labor relations cases, an independent hearing officer determines if an individual is guilty of the charges and, if guilty, recommends a penalty.

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County officials said that Trela, of Schenectady, has over 20 years of experience in labor relations and arbitration.

Trela is a panel member of the Public Employment Relations Board, and maintains professional affiliations with the Labor and Employment Relations Association and the New York State Dispute Resolution Association.

The county would pay Trela $1,400 per day for his services. The fee includes time spent in the hearing, time spent in administration of the case, study and preparation of reports. Trela will also be reimbursed for, "reasonable travel-related expenses," including mileage.

Previous hearing officers, David Garvey and Judith LaManna, were paid $1,200 for hearing time and $220 per hour for time spent in administration, study and preparation of reports. Their travel expenses were also reimbursed.

"Garvey and LaManna have waived payment for services in light of their recusals," said John Corcoran, an attorney with Hancock Estabrook in Syracuse who handles labor relations legal matters for Madison County.

Last week Garvey recused himself from the job. He was the second chosen to preside over Birch's hearing. Garvey took over from LaManna.

Garvey did not specify reasons for stepping down said Corcoran.

Prior to withdrawing his services, Garvey presided over a closed-door hearing to determine whether future hearings would be open to the public or closed. A decision was not rendered in that matter.

The hearing was requested by the attorney of a witness who was going to testify in Birch's disciplinary hearing, said Mark Scimone, county administrative assistant.

Scimone said that Birch has always wanted the hearings open to the public.

"They are open unless Birch wants it closed, but she has not done that," Scimone said.

He also added that with the retention of a new hearing officer, the transcripts of the special hearing the took place on Sept. 14 may possibly be reviewed and a determination would be made whether future hearings will be open or closed. However, he noted that it was too early to determine exactly what might happen regarding that matter.

The special meeting will take place Monday, Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the county office complex in Wampsville.